AED’s host HYDROPONICS WORKSHOP for STUDENTS
On Thursday 12th October the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in collaboration with the Ministry of Agriculture – Extension Division (AED), held an Education & Sensitization Programme for Youth on Hydroponics. The objective of this programme was to demonstrate to the youth one of the modern and exciting techniques in Agriculture.
The students and teachers from the All Saints Secondary School and St. Mary’s Secondary School were both in attendance due to the fact these learning institutions were selected to pilot the Hydroponic Agri-science programme. They were immersed in theoretical and practical lectures in Hydroponics which is primarily predicated on conserving limited resources such as land and water and reducing the use of pesticides in crop production.
The workshop was conducted by Mr. Adrian Bowen, Agricultural Assistant and Mr. Ika Fergus, Extension Officer and FAO National Correspondent.
Hydroponics is a modern agricultural method that has gained significant attention in recent years due to its potential to revolutionize the way we grow crops. This soilless technique allows plants to thrive by delivering essential nutrients directly to their roots in a controlled environment. Hydroponics offers numerous advantages over traditional soil-based farming, such as increased crop yields, reduced water usage, and the ability to grow food in non-arable regions.
While hydroponics offers many advantages, there are challenges to be addressed such as, initial costs (setting up a hydroponic system can be expensive due to the need for specialized equipment and infrastructure), and expertise (successful hydroponic farming requires knowledge of plant physiology, nutrient management, and system maintenance).
Hydroponics seems to be a promising agricultural technology that has the potential to address some of the problems in the quest for food security. Its ability to increase crop yields, reduce water usage, and minimize the environmental impact of farming, makes it a valuable tool for sustainability and a food-secured future. As technology continues to advance and knowledge of hydroponics expands, it is likely to play an increasingly important role in our national and global food production.